The Olympic flame will pass through Exeter next year as it makes its way to London ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games.

The flame will reach Exeter as part of the Olympic Torch Relay on Sunday, May 20, having visited Plymouth the evening before.

Exeter City Council said the event was "likely to generate a carnival atmosphere, with a giant city centre stage in a prominent location and involvement from local sports starts of the present and future."

Council Leader, Pete Edwards, said: "This is an incredible boost for Exeter and a chance for the people of the city to get involved with a once-in-a-lifetime event.

“The Olympics inspire young people to take part in sport and strive to be the stars of the future.

"The London 2012 Olympic Games will leave a legacy for generations to come and we can be proud of the fact that Exeter has played its part."

The flame will come to Exeter just 68 days before the start of the 2012 Games.

The city has been chosen as one of the 70 locations to welcome the flame and celebrate the Olympic spirit.

In total, the flame will travel through the following 30 cities, towns and villages in Devon:

Plymouth

Brixton

Yealmpton

Modbury

Kingsbridge

West Charleton

Chillington

Torcross

Stoke Fleming

Dartmouth

Totnes

Paignton

Torquay

Teignmouth

Exeter (overnight)

Okehampton

Folly Gate

Hatherleigh

Merton

Great Torrington

Bideford

Sticklepath

Barnstaple

Wrafton

Braunton

Knowle

Ilfracombe

Combe Martin

Lynton

Lynmouth

8,000 nominated torchbearers will carry the flame across the UK.

It is believed that 95% of the population will be within a one hour journey time, of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

For more information to go http://www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay